By Jacob Balatico

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Junior Bryston Watase described his experience as “unique in its own way” when he entered a drawing competition for his father’s friend’s plastic bag company, Tropical Paper Garden LLC. More than 50 people entered the competition, which was open to anyone.

“My dad’s friend just told him about a competition and (my dad) informed me about it and he … just gave me a deadline,” stated Watase, on how he found out about the competition. “He was looking for a design for a recycle bag so I drew a design and they liked it,” he continued.

While he wasn’t pushed by either parent to pursue the opportunity, his father felt confident that he would win. “My dad said for sure this one was going to win,” said Watase, whose design will be the logo on recyclable bags sold by Longs Drugs during the fall season.

Regarding Watase’s art skills, his father, Glenn Watase said, “I knew his talent showed for years. I was surprised when he was picked … because his design will be on bags across Hawaii.” Bryston Watase’s mother, Dee Watase, agreed and stated, “I was very proud and knew that he could do it because he has the artistic abilities and enthusiasm for drawing.”

Bryston Watase first discovered his passion for drawing when he was young.  “I started drawing ever since I was little. Just coloring, doodling random pictures, started watching anime and I just got really into it,” said Bryston Watase. Two anime shows that inspired him were Naruto and Yu-Gi-Oh.

Bryston Watase plans to pursue a career in the art field and plans on working for Pixar or Disney. Dee Watase stated, “He is inspired to do a lot of artistic, creative work because that’s what he loves to do. He loves the creativity of doing any artwork that comes to his mind,” regarding Bryston’s Watase’s future career.

To build his career in art, Watase plans on entering more competitions to gain experience and better himself as an artist.